5 Green Jobs to Get Excited About

By Tamiera Vandegrift on May 1, 2017

The popularity and need for green jobs, jobs that work toward the development and protection of the environment, has grown exponentially. Green degrees have become much more popular among college students, while high-paying “green-collar” jobs are becoming more available every day.

As a result, colleges and universities are creating a huge variety of majors and degree programs of all levels. With that being said, it is probably evident that green is, in fact, the new black.

These green jobs can come in all forms, shapes, and sizes. Every industry has its environmentally friendly counterpart. If you are interested in architecture, engineering, health sciences, law, or horticulture, there is a green job waiting out there for you. Keep reading to learn about some of the best (and best-paying!) green jobs and careers out there for you to find!

Environmental engineer

If you are a creative brain who enjoys problem-solving, engineering would definitely be a career path to check out. As an environmental engineer, your job would be to use principles of engineering and science to find solutions to some of the most pressing environmental issues, like recycling, waste disposal, public health, water pollution, and air pollution.

You will have the chance to physically design and construct tangible solutions to some of our biggest environmental issues today. You will never be bored because you will have the opportunity to work at a variety of locations: offices, construction sites, and more!

Related majors: Civil, chemical, or general engineering

Potential salary: $85,140

Image via: www.pexels.com

Environmental lawyer

If you are extremely passionate about environmental matters of any kind, becoming an environmental lawyer would be the absolute best way to honor that passion. Environmental lawyers specialize in matters concerning an area’s air, land, and water.

These lawyers work toward healthy and safe regulations concerning pollution and the handling of natural resources. They fight the good fight to protect the natural ecosystems, agriculture, and biodiversity while also fighting against the issue of waste management. At the same time, they work with the government to help other companies become more green and to also create business plans toward sustainability.

Related majors: Environmental science, English, pre-law

Potential salary: $100,000+

Hydrogeologist

I know what you are probably thinking. Hydro-what?! Well, a hydrogeologist (also known as a hydrologist) is a scientist that studies water formation beneath the surface. They study the water’s location, movement, and quality. In turn, their research leads them to protect and conserve clean water formations, and improve and regulate dirty or dangerous water formations.

Like any scientist would do, hydrogeologists test subjects, take notes on their discoveries, and come to some amazing conclusions that they can use to better the world as we know it. Thanks to hydrogeologists, we can continue to have a healthy, safe water supply to keep the world going.

For every sip of water and every hot shower, you have hydrogeologists to thank! Water makes the world go ‘round and with this career path, you will be able to live out your scientific fantasies and contribute something crucial to our lives.

Related majors: Geology, geography, earth science. (Typically, hydrogeologists go on to acquire their master’s degree in geosciences.)

Potential salary: $127,183

Image via: www.pexels.com

Solar energy/solar power project developer

If you are looking for a career somewhere in between business, engineering, and science, there is a career out there for you. If you are also looking to make a healthy, sustainable change to our world and the way we acquire our energy, there is a career out there for you.

Solar project developers are responsible for exactly that: developing projects for solar energy solutions to our world’s energy crisis. Their job is to make these projects happen by building permits, securing rights to land, working with teams of engineers and financers to ensure that the financing and construction of the project will be very successful and benefit everyone involved. They also need to keep up to date with solar energy and solar power news, the energy market, and any and all policy developments in the legal sector.

Related majors: Engineering, science, and finance. Some also hold a master’s degree in business or finance.

Potential salary: $149,000

Sustainability director

Sustainability directors, also known as sustainability managers, are responsible for fighting for a green corporate and professional world. Sustainability directors are in the frontlines, implementing changes within companies, researching sustainability performance in their company, working closely with others to make sure their goals are accomplished, and creating and managing budgets for the implementation of these changes.

The goal of all sustainability directors is to make sure that their individual company is upholding environmentally conservative values and continually seeking ways for a company to stay green in everything they do. This career not only offers the chance to directly make a difference in the way companies have an impact on the environment, but it also offers the chance to work with any company of your choosing.

Related majors: Business, environmental science, environmental management, and engineering

Potential salary: $158,590

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